Thailand’s military-backed political party was last night (Sunday) heading for an unexpected win over its populist rival which has led a “democratic front” in the first election since a 2014 coup. Early results, announced by the country’s election commission after 89 per cent of votes had been counted, put Phalang Pracharat, led by military junta chief Prayuth Chan-o-cha, ahead with seven million votes. The official election results do not have to be declared until May 8. Early polls also indicated a strong performance for the new Future Forward party led by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a charismatic young motor-parts tycoon. Mr Thanathorn energised many of the seven million first-time voters by vowing to end military “dictatorship” and tackle Thailand’s inequalities.

Source: National Post March 25, 2019 00:33 UTC